The DeLorean DMC 12 – Screen Icon
The iconic DeLorean DMC 12 was produced in 1981 to 1982 by the Delorean Motor Company. Sometimes referred to as simply “Delorean” as it was the only car produced by the company. It became famous after being featured in the film series “Back to the Future”. While founded in Detroit, DeLorean cars were manufactured in Northern Ireland.
The DMC 12 was also famous for the wrong reasons. As company founder John Delorean struggled to raise funds to keep the company going, he became embroiled in a drug trafficking deal. Later cleared of all charges, Delorean and his company were tainted by the scandal. Without the desperately needed funding, the company went bankrupt in 1982.
The DMC 12 has unusual angular styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with bare stainless steel bodywork and gull wing doors. Mechanically the DMC 12 is unusual too and has a double “Y frame” chassis derived from a Lotus Esprit. The 2.8L V6 PRV ZMJ-159 engine is a Volvo/Peugeot/Renault engine. Contemporary car testers found the car slow and overpriced compared with competitors in the same price bracket.
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I'm Paul
I'm fortunate enough to drive classic cars and speak with owners, designers and engineers. This has given me both inspiration and stories to share. I write stories that interest me, from the E-Type replacement that formed the basis of the Aston Martin DB7, to the missing Metro Cooper and the truth behind the Rover 220s nickname. In addition to attending car shows, track days and other informal automotive events for the last 20 years, I have planned & driven various road trips. I once drove to the Nurburgring and back in a day, went karting in Montenegro and also drove through the Florida keys in a Mustang GT. The blog is a passion project so any support is appreciated; whether that is by sharing on social media or buying me a coffee!